Swine Flu – Low key Dahi Handi 2009 celebrations in Maharashtra

Due to Swine flu, Dahi Handi 2009 celebrations on August 14 has been toned down or cancelled. Even a small Dahi Handi celebration in a small street corner in Maharashtra attracts hundreds of people. And popular Dahi Handi celebrations organized by religious institutions and political parties attract thousands of people. With swine flu deaths constantly on the rise in Maharashtra, government, religious leaders and political parties have given a call for low key Dahi Handi and Janmashtami celebrations in 2009.

Some of the most popular Dahi Handi celebrations in Maharashtra have been called off on concerns over the spread of H1N1 virus.

All the big Ganesh mandals in Pune city have decided to cancel the Dahi Handi celebrations. Some of the Ganesh Mandal committees that had collected money for Dahi Handi celebrations will now contribute it for buying masks for citizens.

The need of the hour is to be socially responsible and it is good to note that people and religious organizations are displaying a sense of social responsibility and avoiding crowding in the name of festivals.